If your child is 10 to 18 kg and you won't need a car seat at the other end, the CARES harness is the lighter option, and it packs into a pouch. If you will need a car seat when you land, or your child is under 10 kg, take the Cosco Scenera NEXT: it is light for a car seat, and it works on the plane and in the car. Always check your airline's page before you fly.
Start with your child's weight
The CARES harness is for children of about 10 to 20 kg (22 to 44 lb) and up to 100 cm. Under 10 kg, it is not an option. The Scenera NEXT is rated rear-facing from 5 to 40 lb (2.3 to 18 kg) and forward-facing from 22 to 40 lb (10 to 18 kg). That means:
- Under 10 kg: the Scenera NEXT, rear-facing. The CARES is too small a range.
- 10 to 18 kg: either one.
- Over 18 kg, up to 20 kg: only the CARES harness. This is above the Scenera NEXT's limit.
On the plane
Both need a seat bought for your child; a lap infant can't use either. The CARES goes on the airline seat and uses the seat's own belt and back. The Scenera NEXT is a regular car seat that sits on the airline seat and is held down by the seat belt. It is about 17 inches (44 cm) wide, which is narrow for a car seat, but check your airline seat's width. Look for the sticker on the car seat that says it is approved for use in aircraft. Our car seats for flying guide explains which labels Canadian airlines accept.
Carrying it through the airport
The CARES packs into a pouch about the weight of a water bottle and fits in a bag. The Scenera NEXT weighs about 7 lb (3.2 kg), which is light for a car seat but still something you carry or check, so many parents wheel it on a luggage strap or check it at the gate.
What you need when you land
The CARES is for aircraft only; you cannot use it in a car. If you are being picked up by family with a car seat, or travelling by public transport, it is all you need. If you will rent a car or ride in a taxi that requires a child seat, the Scenera NEXT does both jobs.
Our call
Check your child's weight, then your plans on arrival. No car seat needed at the other end and a child between 10 and 20 kg: the CARES. A car seat needed at the other end, or a child under 10 kg: the Cosco Scenera NEXT.